Alexander Zverev says he no longer thinks about being World No.1 following shocking defeat in Indian Wells

Alexander Zverev succumbed to a disappointing 6-4, 6(5)-7, 6(4)-7 against Tallon Griekspoor in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters.

Alexander Zverev says he no longer thinks about being World No.1 following shocking defeat in Indian Wells

Alexander Zverev (Image via X)

Alexander Zverev’s hopes to become World No.1 took another heavy blow on Friday (March 7) in Indian Wells. The German alarming slump in form continued as he was beaten by Tallon Griekspoor in the second round. The 27-year-old has now given up all hopes of surpassing Jannik Sinner in the No.1 spot.

The World No.2 was locked in to become World No.1 after Sinner agreed a three-month suspension settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). But, after a disappointing quarter-final finish in both the Rio Open and the Argentina Open, Zverev couldn’t close the gap. He then lost to Learner Tien in the second round of the Acapulco Open.

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Heading to Indian Wells, he was seeking a last battle to sustain his hopes to become No.1. However, those hopes were smashed to pieces after Griekspoor defeated him 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(4) in the second round. The World No. 2 now trails Sinner by 3,385 points following the defeat. Since finishing as runners-up at the Australian Open, he has won four of his last eight matches.

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With the World No.1 position now almost out of sight , Zverev said during his press conference that he no longer thinks about surpassing Sinner. The German star added that he’s playing terribly at the moment.

I was at the beginning. Now, it’s less because I’m playing terribly. So, for me, I have to find my game before thinking about that because to become the world number one, you have to win tournaments. I haven’t gone beyond the first or second round yet. So, first, I have to solve that.

Alexander Zverev said via Indian Wells Press

Zverev’s best run in Indian Wells came in 2021 and 2024 when he reached the quarterfinals. The German player now has to seek every means to bounce back in Miami, as Carlos Alcaraz may surpass him if he continues to lose.

Alexander Zverev reveals the reason for his recent slump in form

Alexander Zverev is not having the best start to the 2025 season. After losing in his third Grand Slam final at the Australian Open, he has now slumped further out of form. He’s still yet to win three consecutive matches since Melbourne and his hopes for World No.1 position look out of reach.

Alexander Zverev (via X)

During the aforementioned press conference, he revealed why has suddenly begun to perform poorly. He said that after the Australian Open, he started practicing less on the court.

It’s as simple as that. I’m not playing a level that I want to play, definitely not playing anywhere near what I played in Australia. I’m just disappointed with my game. That’s No. 1 thing for me. It’s just practice. I practice a lot. I played the Australian Open final and I started practising less. I keep working, but right now it’s not clicking. I have to find a way to make that happen.

Alexander Zverev said

Zverev now has just two weeks to prepare and practice better before the ATP Masters 1000 in Miami. He will have to iron out his game and perhaps make sure he stops the error-stricken tactics that have led opponents to beat him recently.